Two Factor Authentication

What is two-factor authentication?

When you're completing certain actions on your account, e.g. setting up a new payment, you’ll need to enter your password, 6-digit security code and a verification code we will send to you by text message or email. It's important that you never tell anyone your verification code. There are also situations that may need you to enter a verification code, for example viewing your statements, transactions or accessing your planned payments.

Verified by Visa

Verified by Visa adds extra security to online card payments.

Before a payment is approved at the checkout, you may be asked to enter:

  • Your full Verified by Visa password
  • A one-time passcode that we will send to your UK mobile number via text message.
    We’ll send each unique, one-time passcode to the mobile number that is registered on your smile bank account— so it's important we have a mobile number registered for you, and that this number is kept up-to-date.

To register for Verified by Visa

For current accounts, call us on 03457 212 212
For credit cards call us on 0345 600 6000
Mon-Fri 8am - 6pm, Sat and Sun 9am - 5pm or More information

Using our mobile banking app:

  1. Log in to our mobile banking app
  2. Choose "My settings and details" from the main menu
  3. At the bottom of the screen select "Update number or email"
  4. You can then update the details you need to.

We will ask you to verify the change by using your fingerprint, passnumber or Face ID.

Using online banking:

  1. Log in to online banking
  2. Visit your "Profile" and select 'Change your contact details'
  3. You can change your email address or contact number in the fields provided.

You’ll need to enter your password, 6-digit security code and a verification code we will send to you by text message or email. It's important that you never tell anyone your verification code. When changing your contact details, we will send a verification code to the mobile number or email address we currently have for you, not your updated details.

Find out more about Financial Services Compensation Scheme | This will open in a new tab

Financial Services Compensation Scheme

Your eligible deposits held by a UK establishment of The Co-operative Bank plc are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the UK's deposit guarantee scheme. This limit is applied to the total of any deposits you have with the following: The Co-operative Bank, Britannia and smile. Any total deposits you hold above the limit between these brands are unlikely to be covered.

Please read further information on the FSCS scheme here or visit their website.